Adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system, method and adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing on a moveable barrier. The adjustable saddle including: a first member including a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion extending from an end of the first horizontal portion at a predetermined downward angle, the first horizontal portion defining a closed channel therein; a second member including a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion extending from an end of the second horizontal portion at the predetermined downward angle; an elongated fastener affixed to the top of the second horizontal portion, the elongated fastener passing through the closed channel and secured with a complementary fastener for mounting to the moveable barrier; and one or more elongated supports affixed to the top of the first horizontal portion for supporting a post of the fencing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following relates generally to physical barriers, and more specifically, to an adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing.

BACKGROUND

Barriers often are required to be erected quickly or temporarily for, for example, construction sites, festivals, events, or the like. An example of a conventional barrier is a temporary fencing. Conventional temporary fencing typically includes a series of posts interconnected by boards, wire, rails, netting, or the like; for example, comprised of plastic, chain-link, steel, or the like. Conventionally, temporary fencing is free standing, or otherwise self-supporting, without permanent attachment to the ground. Typically, conventional temporary fencing are supported, under the posts, with counter-weighted feet. Such feet can include, for example, cinder blocks, transverse steel elements, or the like. Such fencing approaches, while modular, can be unstable and possibly insecure, especially when used for confining vehicles or large crowds.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a barrier erection in which the above disadvantages are obviated or mitigated and attainment of the desirable attributes is facilitated.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, there is provided an adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing on a moveable barrier, the adjustable saddle comprising: a first member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion extending from an end of the first horizontal portion at a predetermined downward angle, the first horizontal portion defining a closed channel therein; a second member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion extending from an end of the second horizontal portion at the predetermined downward angle; an elongated fastener affixed to the top of the second horizontal portion, the elongated fastener passing through the closed channel and secured with a complementary fastener for mounting to the moveable barrier; and one or more elongated supports affixed to the top of the first horizontal portion for supporting a post of the fencing.

In a particular case, the predetermined angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

In another case, a profile of the space defined by the second horizontal portion, the first angled portion, and the second angled portion substantially conforms to the profile of the top and sides of the moveable barrier.

In yet another case, the first angled portion and the second angled portion each define one or more apertures for receiving a fastener to the moveable barrier.

In yet another case, the elongated fastener is a threaded bolt and the complementary fastener is a threaded nut.

In another aspect, there is provided a system for erection of a fencing on a moveable barrier, the fencing comprising a plurality of posts, the system comprising a plurality of adjustable saddles for each of the fencing posts, each of the adjustable saddles comprising: a first member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion extending from an end of the first horizontal portion at a predetermined downward angle, the first horizontal portion defining a closed channel therein; a second member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion extending from an end of the second horizontal portion at the predetermined downward angle; an elongated fastener affixed to the top of the second horizontal portion, the elongated fastener passing through the closed channel and secured with a complementary fastener for mounting to the moveable barrier; and one or more elongated supports affixed to the top of the first horizontal portion for supporting a post of the fencing.

In a particular case, the predetermined angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

In another case, a profile of the space defined by the second horizontal portion, the first angled portion, and the second angled portion substantially conforms to the profile of the top and sides of the moveable barrier.

In yet another case, the first angled portion and the second angled portion each define one or more apertures for receiving a fastener to the moveable barrier.

In yet another case, the elongated fastener is a threaded bolt and the complementary fastener is a threaded nut.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for erecting a fencing on a moveable barrier, the method comprising: sliding a first member of an adjustable saddle relative to a second member of the adjustable saddle until a portion of each of the first member and the second member abut a side of the moveable barrier; engaging a fastener to prohibit sliding of the first member relative to the second member; mounting a post of the fencing on a support affixed to the first member.

In a particular case, the method further comprising securing fasteners through each of the first member and second member into the respective side of the moveable barrier.

In another case, the support comprises one or more elongated upward-extending supports, and wherein the post of the fencing is mounted by passing the post over one of the one or more elongated upward-extending supports.

In yet another case, the support comprises a clasping mechanism for grasping the post of the fencing.

In yet another case, the method further comprising performing the sliding of the first member, the engaging of the fastener, and the mounting of the post repeatedly for each post in the fencing.

These and other embodiments are contemplated and described herein. It will be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representative aspects of apparatuses and methods for an adjustable saddle for erection of a fence to assist skilled readers in understanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an adjustable saddle in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the adjustable saddle of FIG. 1A in use in erection of a fencing; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for erecting a fencing on a moveable barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description.

The following relates generally to physical barriers, and more specifically, to an adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing.

In some circumstances, a temporary barrier can include moveable concrete barriers; for example ‘Jersey barriers’ or ‘K-rails’. In further circumstances, a temporary barrier can include moveable plastic barriers that are filled with a weighted substance such as water or sand (collectively referred to as a “moveable barrier”). However, due to the limitations on these types of barriers, for example weight and cost, the height of the barriers are typically limited; especially where such barriers are movable.

In some embodiments, fencing can be mounted on the moveable barrier to, for example, increase the height of the barrier for increased security, while having the stability and inertia of the moveable barrier.

In a particular embodiment, fencing can be mounted on a moveable barrier by inserting the posts of the fencing into holes defined on the topside of the moveable barrier. Such holes can be, for example, holes created for rebar or anchoring. While this approach allows for an extension of the height of the barrier, mounting of the fencing on the moveable barrier requires that appropriate holes be available, or requires such holes to be drilled; and as such, the installation of such barriers may be somewhat onerous. Additionally, the stability of the fencing may not be optimal due to the hole in the barrier not necessarily being designed to fit the pole of the fencing, due to inexact matches between hole size and pole diameter, and due to the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to weather conditions.

In an embodiment, as described herein, an adjustable saddle can be used to erect and mount fencing on one or more moveable barriers. In this embodiment, the fencing can be more easily mounted on the moveable barrier, of various sizes, with increased stability and security.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a top view of an adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing is shown, in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 1A, the adjustable saddle is shown in an open configuration, and in FIG. 1B, the adjustable saddle is shown in closed configuration. In this embodiment, fencing can be mounted on a moveable barrier using an adjustable saddle 100. The adjustable saddle 100 includes a first member 102 and a complementary second member 104. As best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the first member 102 includes a first horizontal portion 106 and a first angled portion 108 extending from the first horizontal portion 106. Similarly, the second member 102 includes a second horizontal portion 110 and a second angled portion 108 extending from the second horizontal portion 112. The angled portions 108, 112 are angled downwards relative to the respective horizontal portion 106, 110 at an angle in the range of between 45 degrees to 90 degrees, depending on the shape of the moveable barrier, as described below. The adjustable saddle 100 thus defines a mounting space 118 beneath the horizontal portions 106, 110 and between the angled portions 108, 112.

The second horizontal portion 110 is configured to be slidable underneath and relative to the first horizontal portion 106. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first horizontal portion defines a channel 114. Affixed to a topside of the second horizontal portion 110 is an elongated fastener 116; for example, a bolt, screw or rod. The elongated fastener 116 is inserted such that it passes through the channel 114. In this way, the second horizontal portion 110 can slid relative to the first horizontal portion 106 as limited by the travel of the elongated fastener 116 in the channel 114. Thus, the size of the mounting space 118 can be adjusted by sliding the second horizontal portion 110 relative to the first horizontal portion 106.

As shown in the illustration of FIG. 4, the saddle 100 can be used to erect fencing 200 on a moveable barrier 202. FIG. 4 specifically shows a Jersey barrier as the moveable barrier 202.

In order to install the fencing, the first member 102 and the second member 104 are brought together until the angled portions 108, 112 abut the sides of the moveable barrier 202, with the second horizontal portion 110 abutting the top of the moveable barrier 202. In a preferred embodiment, the profile of the mounting space 118 substantially conforms to the profile created by the top and sides of the moveable barrier; such that there is a minimal, or no, gap between the adjustable saddle 100 and the moveable barrier 202. When the adjustable saddle is positioned on the moveable barrier, a nut 120, or any other complementary fastener to the elongated fastener 116, is tightened, securing the size of the mounting space 118.

In some embodiments, the adjustable saddle can be further secured to the moveable barrier. This may be done before or after erecting fencing on top of the saddles. For example, leaving the saddles unsecured to the barrier while placing the fencing permits the saddles to be slid longitudinally along the barrier to ensure matching the fence width. This is advantageous in real-world environments where labor costs of erecting the fencing are sufficiently large such that it is unrealistic to request installers to measure the spacing between saddles to a significant degree of accuracy. In this approach, the saddles can temporarily be held to the barrier with a nominal amount of force simply by adjusting the saddle members to as much of a closed position as possible given the barrier width. However, the saddles could alternatively be secured to the barrier prior to erecting the fencing.

In the present case, the angled portions 108, 112 include apertures 122, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. A fastener (not shown) can be passed through the apertures 122 and secured to the moveable barrier; for example, a screw, bolt, or the like. In other cases, depending on the fastener, such as with using adhesive, the apertures 122 may not be required. In further embodiments, additional securement to the moveable barrier may not be required where the frictional forces of the adjustable saddle 100 against the moveable barrier 202 is enough to securely erect the fencing 200.

In most cases, the mounting of the adjustable saddle 100 on the moveable barrier 202 is repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of posts of the fencing 200.

Once the adjustable saddle 100 is mounted on the moveable barrier 202, the fencing 200 can be installed on the adjustable saddle 100. The adjustable saddle 100 includes a pair of elongated supports 124 affixed to and extending upwards from the top of the first horizontal member 106. Each hollow post (not shown) of the fencing 200 is slid overtop one of the elongated supports 124 of a corresponding adjustable saddle 100. An adjacent fence can be placed over the other of the elongated supports 124. In further cases, one elongated support could be provided for a terminating saddle (where there is only one fencing placed thereon), or more than two could be provided to permit the securing of more than two fence members, such as where a T-junction is desired.

In overview, as shown in FIG. 5, there is provided a method for erecting a fencing on a moveable barrier 500. At block 502, the first horizontal member 106 is slid over and relative to the second horizontal member 110 until the angled portions 108, 112 abut the sides of the moveable barrier 202; thus, moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration. At block 504, a complementary fastener 120 is engaged to secure mounting of the adjustable saddle 504. At block 506, the angled portions 108, 112, are fastened to the sides of the moveable barrier 202. At block 508, a post of the fencing 200 is installed over the one or more elongated supports 124. In some cases, blocks 520 to 508 can be repeated for each post of the fencing 202.

Applicant recognized the intended advantages of the embodiments described herein; for example, the ability to retrofit any moveable barrier, such as a Jersey barrier, to be capable of having fencing erected on it. Another intended advantage is not having to rely on holes or other features that are existent in the moveable barrier, which may not securely hold the fencing post. A further intended advantage is the ability to change the size of the mountable space 118 such that the adjustable saddle 100 can be easily installed and removed from the moveable barrier, and allowing the adjustable saddle to be used with a variety of different shapes and sizes of moveable barriers.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosures of all references recited above are incorporated herein by reference. 

1. An adjustable saddle for erection of a fencing on a moveable barrier, the moveable barrier comprising a first side, a second side, and a top side, the adjustable saddle comprising: a first member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion extending from an end of the first horizontal portion at a downward angle, the first horizontal portion defining a closed channel therein, the first angled portion defining one or more first apertures therein, the one or more first apertures each configured to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the first angled portion to the first side of the moveable barrier; a second member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion extending from an end of the second horizontal portion at a complementary downward angle, the second angled portion defining one or more second apertures therein, the one or more second apertures each configured to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the second angled portion to the second side of the moveable barrier; an elongated fastener affixed to a top-side of the second horizontal portion, the elongated fastener passing through the closed channel and secured with a complementary fastener for fitting the adjustable saddle to the moveable barrier; and one or more elongated supports affixed to a top-side of the first horizontal portion for supporting a post of the fencing.
 2. The adjustable saddle of claim 1, wherein the downward angle and complementary downward angle are in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.
 3. The adjustable saddle of claim 1, wherein a profile of a space defined by the second horizontal portion, the first angled portion, and the second angled portion substantially conforms to a profile formed by a top and sides of the moveable barrier.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The adjustable saddle of claim 1, wherein the elongated fastener is a threaded bolt and the complementary fastener is a threaded nut.
 6. A system for erection of a fencing on one or more moveable barriers, the fencing comprising a plurality of posts, the system comprising: an adjustable saddle for each one of the fencing posts, each of the adjustable saddles mountable on one of the moveable barriers, each of the adjustable saddles comprising: a first member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion extending from an end of the first horizontal portion at a predetermined downward angle, the first horizontal portion defining a closed channel therein, the first angled portion defining one or more first apertures therein, the one or more first apertures each configured to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the first angled portion to the first side of the moveable barrier; a second member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion extending from an end of the second horizontal portion at a complementary downward angle, the second angled portion defining one or more second apertures therein, the one or more second apertures each configured to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the second angled portion to the second side of the moveable barrier; an elongated fastener affixed to a top-side of the second horizontal portion, the elongated fastener passing through the closed channel and secured with a complementary fastener for fitting the adjustable saddle to the moveable barrier; and one or more elongated supports affixed to a top-side of the first horizontal portion for supporting a post of the fencing.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the predetermined downward angle and the complementary downward angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein a profile of the space defined by a second horizontal portion, the first angled portion, and the second angled portion substantially conforms to a profile formed by a top and sides of the moveable barrier.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The system of claim 6, wherein the elongated fastener is a threaded bolt and the complementary fastener is a threaded nut.
 11. A method for erecting a fencing on a moveable barrier, the method comprising: sliding a first member of an adjustable saddle relative to a second member of the adjustable saddle until a portion of each of the first member and the second member abut a side of the moveable barrier, the first member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion, the second member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second angled portion; engaging an elongated fastener to prohibit sliding of the first member relative to the second member; fastening the first angled portion to a first side of the moveable barrier; fastening the second angled portion to a second side of the moveable barrier; mounting a post of the fencing on a support affixed to the first horizontal portion of the first member.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing fasteners through each of the first member and second member into a respective side of the moveable barrier.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the support comprises one or more elongated upward-extending supports, and wherein the post of the fencing is mounted by passing the post over one of the one or more elongated upward-extending supports.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the support comprises a clasping mechanism for grasping the post of the fencing.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising performing the sliding of the first member, the engaging of the fastener, and the mounting of the post repeatedly for each post in the fencing. 